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Haunted Happenings and Halloween Experts Available at UH

October 16, 2009-Houston-

Halloween is the culmination of weeks of decisions regarding what costumes to wear, which scary movies to watch and whose party to attend. The University of Houston can scare up some solid experts for your Halloween-themed stories. From phobias to folklore, UH offers a host of resources focused on All Hallows' Eve.

If you are unable to reach a professor, call Mike Emery at 713-743-8186 or Marisa Ramirez at 713-743-8152.

HUMANITY IN HORROR FLICKSGender roles, male heroism and perverse eroticism are often themes overlooked in the modern horror movie. Philosophy professor Cynthia Freeland, author of "The Naked and the Undead," has analyzed these issues within horror movies ranging from Alien to "Texas Chainsaw Massacre." Reach her at 713-743-3206 or cfreeland@uh.edu.

FACE YOUR FEARSAs director of the UH Anxiety Disorder Clinic, Peter Norton faces fears every day. From psychopathology to anxiety, Professor Norton's research deals primarily with the world of phobias. Reach him at 713-743-8675 or pnorton@uh.edu.

LOCAL CULT CLASSICAround Houston, Sidney Berger is known as the city's Shakespeare expert. He also has a place in cult cinema as one of the stars of influential horror film "Carnival of Souls." Reach him at 713-743-2930 or sberger@uh.edu.

THE TRICK TO LESS TREATSLooking for healthy alternatives to traditional treats? Nancy Graves, associate professor, specializes in nutrition and dietetics. Reach her at 713-743-2426 or nsgraves@uh.edu.

DAY OF THE DEADThe Mexican observation of Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is typically misunderstood. To the untrained eye, the dancing skeletons, sugar skulls and brightly colored marigolds depict a morbid scene. But the traditional observation at the end of October and early November, actually is a celebration of life and a way of honoring loved ones who have passed away. Ruben Cordova is the Visiting Scholar with the UH Center for Mexican American Studies whose expertise is Mexican American art, particular art used for Day of the Dead. Reach him at rcordova2@uh.edu.

FANGS FOR THE MEMORIES OR I WANT MY MUMMYBefore "Twilight," there was Bram Stoker's "Dracula." English professor Lynn Voskuil helps students sink their teeth into this classic novel. She also is wrapped up in teaching H. Rider Haggard's Mummy adventure "She." Contact Voskuil at 713-743-2972 or at lvoskuil@uh.edu.

HAUNTED HAPPENING: ROCKY HORROR SHOW & COSTUME CONTESTThis isn't your mother's "Rocky Horror Show." When the University of Houston School of Theatre & Dance presents this sexually charged musical smash Oct. 23 - Nov. 1, expect an all new "Rocky" with all of the charisma of the original stage production ... but slightly more sinful. Theatre-goers are encouraged to wear costumes during the play's Halloween performance. At 10:15 p.m., Oct. 31, a costume contest will take place in the Wortham Theatre (prior to that night's 11 p.m. show).

HAUNTED HAPPENING: HALLOWSCREAMOn October 28, the University Center (Entrance 1 off Calhoun Road) will transform into the spooky scene for Hallowscream 2009. Students and faculty will participate in festivities ranging from games and contests. This will be good photo or video opportunity. Call Mike Emery at 713-743-8186 for directions and assistance in covering this event.